Five apps for boosting middle school math skills

These five apps can help middle school students learn math skills such as geometry, estimation, and simple algebra

These math app reviews come from Common Sense Media and its free Graphite service.

Here are reviews of five high-quality digital apps that can help teach middle school math, courtesy of Common Sense Media and its new Graphite service—a free database of teacher-written reviews of learning technologies.

Slice It!

Grade range: 3-7

What is it? Divide and conquer with clever puzzles that build a geometry foundation.

Pros: Trial-and-error game play supports nimble discovery of concepts and strategies.

Cons: Lacks explicit connection between game principles and classroom learning.

Bottom line: A fun way for kids to jump into geometry with lessons on shapes, symmetry, and area.